Chrysler considering Chinese partner for supermini
When Dodge entered the UK market in June of this year, they knew that producing a sub-compact vehicle for European consumption had to part of an overall brand strategy. Vehicles like the Charger and upcoming Challenger weren't going to be viable contenders in the European marketplace, so Dodge has decided that in addition to the Caliber and new Nitro SUV, a variation of the Hornet concept will find its way into production. The task now is finding a suitable company to partner with to produce Dodge's new Mini fighter.
Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda is quoted as saying that, in addition to seeking partnerships with Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen, a Chinese manufacturer may be in the running. Which one? People in the know point to Chery, with LaSorda saying that he has no quality concerns about working with a Chinese automaker.
As reported earlier, Dodge is being closely watched by DaimlerChrysler's team of global managers and gambling with a small Chinese manufacturer could have a detrimental effect on the automaker's future ambitions in Europe. A decision regarding the alliance will be made by fall of this year.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Puff Chippy 1:08PM (8/02/2006)
Weren't they looking for a partner a few months ago? Is this new?
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James 1:11PM (8/02/2006)
"People in the know point to Chery, with LaSorda saying that he has no quality concerns about working with a Chinese automaker."
Surely it would be the Chinese who would have quality issues working with Dodge...? :D
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Dylan 1:23PM (8/02/2006)
It'd be great if they could actually produce this thing, with the market sector the way it is, the options are kind of junk to begin with. The mini's retardedly expensive and all the other mini-cars so to speak are ugly and gutless.
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Presto 1:25PM (8/02/2006)
Oh great, we're aligning with communists? The word "Chrysler" and "domestic" should be not be used in the same sentence much longer. LOL.
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arnie 2:11PM (8/02/2006)
Ohh boy this is going to be good. Ensure the quality will be shit and helping the Chinese gain a foothold in Europe. Two birds with one stone ehh? If this is true, it is the most stupid idea I've heard for a long time. The people at DXC must be using some heavy duty illicit substances these days. Self flagellation and mass suicide would be better for DCX than this.
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korey 2:11PM (8/02/2006)
IS this coming stateside??? xxskyliner34xx@gmail.com
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Gary 2:24PM (8/02/2006)
This doesn't necessarily mean that the cars produced in China will come to NA. Currently, Jeeps and the 300 are built in China for the Chinese market.
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RickDom 2:39PM (8/02/2006)
Where does it say a Chinese manufacturer will actually make it? I thought the point of DCX looking for a partner on it was so they didn't have to develope a platform from scratch.
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solomonrex 3:08PM (8/02/2006)
Why don't they make their own chassis? DCX owns smart. They don't have resources? Do we really think this car will be better than the Neon if they partner with Chery? I have my doubts.
And hey, it's stupid to release a really cool concept car you can't even produce. Why not produce concept locomotives or space shuttles and then start "looking for a partner" afterwards? It's not like you need to line up millinaire buyers ahead of time for this thing.
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joe 3:53PM (8/02/2006)
"4. Oh great, we're aligning with communists? The word "Chrysler" and "domestic" should be not be used in the same sentence much longer. LOL."
We? Are you German? DCX has been bought by Daimler for years. Technically, you can't call Chrysler a domestic automaker anymore.
O yea, have you heard of those new "Ask Doctor Z" commercials on the radio? Yea, you can tell by his thick accent. Obviously, Chrysler is trying to stay away from Ford and GM.
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Presto 4:03PM (8/02/2006)
#10 (joe),
Thanks for pointing that out. I never realized Chrysler joined with a German company until you pointed that out for the very first time. Boy, do I feel stupid.
All sarcasm aside, I've had a problem with Chrysler and America's perception of them as Domestic for some time. The problem is, people still do associate Chrysler with domestics, and will say "all" Toyotas, Nissans and Hondas are made in Japan at the same time.
And yeah, I agree with you on the "Dr Z" commercials, my first thought was that they'll alienate the country bumpkins who were stupid enough to think Chrysler was still an American company. Now even the hillbillies are confused.
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SKluck 5:40PM (8/02/2006)
Well this about saps my interest to zero. VW is the only partner I would support with this car. Considering there have been talks for so long and still nothing is solid indicates VW isn't going to be making this car.
Oh well, this car is too far away anyway, The euro focus will be out in NA at the same time as the Hornet.
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Dan 8:05PM (8/02/2006)
What about using the A-class platform as a starting point?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_A-Class
That sounds much better to me...
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ebm14 10:06PM (8/02/2006)
I think that many Americans would want a small little car like the one being described about in this article, but I don't know why they need to find another partner to make this car. Isn't there enough cheap Chinese goods coming to this country already? I think this car should be made in the USA or Canada.
Enough is enough with this global car crap. Would Dr. Z want his Mercedes to be built in China, I don't think so. This is what happens when a country only cares about money.
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Finished.Law.School 10:19PM (8/02/2006)
It sounds like the Chinese lack of quality is better than having to deal with the UAW...
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